Fluvalinate Residues in Greek Honey and Beeswax

Tau-fluvalinate has been the most frequently used varroacide in Greece over the last decade. Application of the commercial apicultural product Apistan at the recommended dose does not seem to contaminate honey seriously. On the other hand, application of the nonauthorized for apicultural use, agricultural formulations, using various application techniques and doses may result in the presence of residues and influence the quality of bee products. The objective of this work was to evaluate the level of fluvalinate residues in Greek honey and beeswax. A GC-ECD analytical method was used with LOQ values of 1 μg/kg and 100 μg/kg for honey and beeswax analysis respectively. A total of 58 honey samples were analyzed over the last 7 years (1994-2001). 60% of the samples had no measurable residues (< 1 μg/kg, LOQ), while concentrations up to 3.82 μg/kg were found in the rest of the samples. Fluvalinate levels in honey did not increase over the years. Beeswax samples examined referred to broodcombs (n=66), honeycombs (n=22), wax cappings (n=12), and wax foundations (n=14). Concentrations determined in beeswax were at ppm levels ranging 0.4-30.14 for broodcomb wax, 0.8-14.34 for honeycomb wax, 1.24.24 for wax cappings and 0.36-3.48 for foundations.